Spooky Smiles and Smart Snacking This Halloween

Halloween is a time of spooky costumes, jack-o'-lanterns, and, of course, candy galore. But while our kids enjoy their treats, it's important for parents to be mindful of dental health. At Prestige Dental in Pasadena, we remind you that the sugar in these festive sweets can play tricks on our teeth, leading to cavities and other dental issues. Fear not, though! In this blog post, we'll explore smart ways to enjoy Halloween treats while keeping your family's smiles healthy and bright.

Candy to Avoid This Halloween

Say No to Sticky, Chewy, or Gummy Candy

Sticky candies, like taffy and gummy bears, can harm your teeth. They cling to the enamel, staying in the mouth longer, and this prolonged exposure to sugar increases the risk of cavities. At Prestige Dental, we recommend steering clear of these treats or consuming them sparingly.

Beware of Sour or Acidic Candy

Sour candies, though tempting, can weaken and demineralize tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to decay. Even though they might seem fun, limiting their intake is wise. Our dentists in Pasadena encourage your kids to enjoy these in moderation and always rinse their mouth afterward.

Hard Candy Hazards

Hard candies can be a double trouble for teeth. Not only do they bathe teeth in sugar for an extended period, but they also pose a risk of chipping or cracking teeth if bitten into. We suggest avoiding them or reminding your children to suck on them rather than bite them.

Smarter Candy Choices

Choose Chocolate and Candy Bars

Regarding Halloween treats, chocolate is a safer option since it’s less likely to stay behind after you brush and generally has less sugar than sticky and acidic candies. We invite you to encourage kids to savor this delicious alternative.

Opt for Sugarless Gum and Candies

Sugar-free gum and candies are great alternatives that help promote dental health. Chewing sugarless gum increases saliva production, naturally cleansing the mouth and neutralizing acids.

Timing Your Treats with Meals

Saliva production increases during meals, helping to rinse away food particles and sugar and canceling out some of the acids produced by bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities. Our dentists, Dr. B and Dr. Megan Doudian, suggest that mealtime is an ideal window for enjoying sweets without causing as much harm to teeth.

Proactive Dental Habits

Stay Hydrated with Water

Water is a simple but effective tool for maintaining oral health. It can help wash away food particles and reduce the acidity in your mouth caused by consuming sugary treats. We recommend keeping a water bottle handy during Halloween festivities!

Importance of Brushing and Flossing Before Bed

Brushing and flossing are critical to preventing cavities, especially during Halloween. Encourage your children to brush their teeth for two minutes before bed and floss to remove any sugar lodged between their teeth. This nightly ritual will help protect their teeth from sugary attacks.

Plan a Post-Halloween Dental Check-Up

After the Halloween festivities, it's a great idea to schedule a dental check-up. A professional cleaning and examination with Dr. B and Dr. Megan Doudian at Prestige Dental in Pasadena can catch any potential issues early and ensure your family's teeth are healthy. Our dentists can provide personalized advice on maintaining dental health and reinforcing good habits.

Halloween doesn't have to be scary for your teeth. You can keep those pearly whites in top shape by being mindful of the types of candy you consume and maintaining good oral hygiene practices. Contact us now for more dental health tips or to schedule an appointment at our dental office!

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Location: 1060 E Green St #203, Pasadena, CA 91106